DSE probes eagle shooting reports

Wildlife authorities are investigating reports that protected wedge-tailed eagles have been illegally shot in the Yea area.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) says it has received several reports that the birds have been killed in recent weeks, possibly by landowners who have lost lambs to eagle attacks.

Wedge-tails are Australia's largest bird of prey and they are fully protected under the Wildlife Act.

"There are significant fines or even imprisonment in some cases, so we'd like to hear from anyone who may have information about these alleged incidents," he said.

"They can contact the DSE customer service centre on 136 186 and they can choose to remain anonymous if they wish.

"I think most people in the community would find allegations of this nature pretty concerning, so in small communities, people who hear these type of reports most certainly contact DSE and let us know about them."